Commerce Report
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Summary of a report from the Chamber of Commerce, detailing economic status of the lower end of Scott Ave.
The 200 block of Scott Avenue is dotted with several small neighborhood bars and a few storefronts. Over the past few years, the struggling neighborhood has slipped further into economic decline, forcing more store closings and the loss of jobs. The surrounding neighborhood supports several drug houses and a few open air drug markets. The housing market is mostly rental property and a dwindling number of owner-occupied homes. Several hotels/motels in the area now cater to the weekly renter or groups of homeless citizens who share the same room. The Blossom Hotel at the intersection of Scott Avenue and Sampson Street advertises room rates by the hour.
Response Revealed
Redevelop the area economy.
Show/Hide DetailsBecause street prostitution markets flourish under marginal economic conditions, economic redevelopment is often necessary to permanently eliminate street prostitution from the area.
New businesses emerge to replace those that supported street prostitution. Economic redevelopment usually requires a substantial investment of government and private resources. Street prostitution may be displaced to even more vulnerable areas.
Response Revealed
Establish formal or informal red-light districts where street prostitution is tolerated.
Show/Hide DetailsIn most cases, the existence of red-light districts has not reduced the volume of street prostitution, the level of nuisance complaints or the harm to prostitutes. Creating tolerance zones for street prostitution implies some official approval. As is true with respect to most vices, official disapproval has at least a marginal deterrent effect. In many jurisdictions, this response is not viable because of legal restrictions or public opposition.
